Dave the Lonely Monster; Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie

Dave the monster’s days of being nasty are behind him and he is now retired. Dave had once been a pest who had terrorised the villagers but after being banished to a cave he now spends his days strumming his guitar and taking baths. But Dave is lonely in his cave. When Percival the Knight arrives at Dave’s cave and challenges him to a duel, Percival is surprised to find that Dave doesn’t want a fight. What Dave really wants is a friend. Can the two become the best of friends?

The story is told in a lively and engaging rhyme and the illustrations are delightful. I particularly like Dave’s cave with its eclectic mix of possessions including a guitar, rock poster, knitting, poetry book and motorbike helmet.

A heart-warming story of kindness and a guitar playing rock-and-roll monster. A lesson in never judging a person by their looks and how our words and actions can impact others.

Recommended for 5+.